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NEW PATHS FOR DEVELOPMENT AHEAD FOR CARREFOUR, THE REFERENCE IN FOOD RETAIL

Regulatory News:

Carrefour (Paris:CA):

2016 key highlights

 

 

• Increase in net sales: +2.7% at constant exchange rates to €76.6bnGood performance in food in all countries; Excellent sales growth in Brazil and continued positive momentum in Europe

 

 

• EBITDA1 of €3,886m, ROI of €2,351m, in line with expectations; operating margin holds up well at 3.1%Strong increase in other European countries and continued excellent momentum in Brazil

 

 

• Adjusted net income, Group share of €1,031m
• Financial targets achievedFree Cash Flow, excluding exceptional items, above €1bn, up 9.2% and slight reduction in net debt to €4.5bn

 

 

• Multiformat and omnichannel expansion871 store openings under banners in 2016; Deployment of new e-commerce websites and apps for food or non-food in all countries

 

 

• Proposed dividend: €0.70, in cash or shares

(1) Recurring operating income before amortization and depreciation(including logistics amortization)

 

2017 priorities & objectives

 

 

• Comfort Carrefour’s position as the reference in food retail
• Continue to deploy the multiformat and omnichannel model to benefit our clients
• Grow sales by 3% to 5% at constant exchange rates
• Maintain financial discipline: Capex of €2.4bn excluding Cargo Property and increase in free cash flow
• Planned listing of Carrefour’s activities in Brazil and of Carmila, market conditions permitting

Georges Plassat, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carrefour, declared:

 

“Carrefour emerges from 2016 a stronger company. The increase in sales, for the fifth consecutive year, attests to the relevance of our multiformat and omnichannel model, which is now a reality in all our countries. In 2017, Carrefour will continue to expand in all its formats, stores and digital, to enhance its proximity to its clients. Carrefour is resolutely the reference in food retail, anticipating trends, thus opening new paths for development and growth. Innovation, the pursuit of operational excellence and strict financial discipline will support value creation.”

2016 achievements in line with strategy

Carrefour, the reference in food retail, posted a strong performance in 2016.

Gross sales amounted to €85.7bn, up 3.3% excluding petrol at constant exchange rates. Sales grew both in Europe and in our international activities, reflecting the relevance of the predominantly food-based multiformat model.

In 2016, Carrefour continued its multi-format dynamic, which shifted the Group's center of gravity towards convenience formats, accelerating store openings, notably in Brazil, Spain, Poland and China. The group also continued its strategy of tactical acquisitions, in Romania with Billa stores and in Spain with selected Eroski stores. Lastly, in France, the transformation of the stores acquired from Dia was virtually completed, with a total of 622 stores converted to date to Carrefour banners. In addition, Carmila, of which Carrefour is the largest shareholder, continues to enhance the commercial sites adjacent to the Group's stores in France, Spain and Italy.

2016 was also marked by new advances in Carrefour’s evolution towards an omnichannel approach. Indeed, thanks to the complementarity between its multiformat physical network and its e-commerce format, which is gaining strength, Carrefour multiplies opportunities to develop contacts with customers and sales, as part of its resolutely omnichannel approach. For example, in France, clients who use several Carrefour formats already account for half of the total number of clients and two-thirds of sales.

The rise of the omnichannel approach is supported by acceleration of digital:

• Gross Merchandise Volume in food and non-food amounts to €1.2bn in 2016. It should triple by 2020 to reach €4bn.
• Carrefour now has an online offer in all of its integrated countries, with in particular the launch in 2016 of a non-food offer in Brazil, a food offer in China and a marketplace in Spain;
• The Group made targeted acquisitions to accelerate the deployment of e-commerce activities, including Rue du Commerce and Greenweez, a site specializing in organic foods, in France.

Carrefour is also returning to a culture of innovation, be it in formats, concepts or products. Thus, sales of organic products throughout the world reached more than €1bn in 2016, up 32%.

Finally, in 2016, the Group continued its efforts to improve its operational efficiency, including the completion of the plan to integrate and optimize logistics in China and the continuation of the Caravelle project in France.

                      Key figures (€m)   2015   2016   Variationat constant exchange rates   Fx impact  

Variationat current exchange rates

          Net sales ex petrol 70,244 70,204 +3.3% -3.4% -0.1% Net sales 76,945 76,645 +2.7% -3.1% -0.4% Organic growth +3.0% Ebitda(1) 3,955 3,886 -0.5% -1.3% -1.8% Recurring Operating Income (ROI)   2,445   2,351   -3.2%   -0.6%   -3.8% Adjusted net income, Group share   1,113   1,031           -7.4%   Free cash flow from continuing operations excluding exceptional items   951   1,039           +9.2% Net debt at closing   4,546   4,531           -€15m Net debt/ Ebitda   1.1x   1.2x            

(1) Recurring operating income before amortization and depreciation (including logistics amortization)

Total sales under banners including petrol reached €103.7bn in full-year 2016, up 2.1% at constant exchange rates.

Income statement

Carrefour posted full-year 2016 total net sales excluding petrol of €70,204m, up +3.3% at constant exchange rates and up +3.0% on an organic basis.

Operating margin held up well and stood at 3.1% in 2016 (vs 3.2% in 2015). Recurring Operating Income (ROI) stood at €2,351m, down -3.2% at constant exchange rates vs 2015.

Other European countries (ex France) posted a solid performance in 2016. ROI reached €712m, a sharp increase of + 25.7% at constant exchange rates. Operating margin increased by 70 bp to 3.5% of sales. This very good performance was largely driven by Spain's continued recovery, as well as improved profitability in Italy and Poland, where the Group has been constantly innovating for several years.

In France, in a difficult competitive environment, the Group continued to roll out its multi-format and omnichannel strategy with the completion of the transformation of DIA stores to Carrefour banners and the integration of Rue du Commerce. ROI totaled €1,031m and operating margin declined by 40 basis points to 2.9%.

In Latin America, ROI Increased by +3.7% at constant exchange rates in 2016 to €711m. Brazil posted a very good performance, with a marked improvement in profitability, illustrating the strength of Carrefour's multi-format model there. The macroeconomic situation in Argentina, notably very high inflation, continues to weigh on the country’s profitability.

In Asia, ROI was -€58m. The strong growth of ROI in Taiwan was, as expected, more than offset by expenses related to the plan to transform our model in China, which continued during the year and whose first positive effects were reflected in our sales in the second half of 2016.

In 2016, non-recurring income was an expense of €372m, which notably includes reorganization costs in various countries, as well as a loss of €106m, the result of a change in tax legislation introduced at the end of 2016 relating to the tax on selling space in France (TaSCom). As a reminder, non-recurring income in 2015 was -€257m.

Net income from continuing operations, Group share, was €786m, including stable financial expenses at €515m and a globally stable effective tax rate.

Net income, Group share, stood at €746m. Adjusted net income, Group share, restated for exceptional items was €1,031m in 2016.

Cash flow and debt

In 2016, cash generation remained strong and principally resulted from the following elements:

• A sharp improvement in gross cash flow which reached €2,964m vs €2,733m in 2015;
• Working capital requirements represented an inflow of €351m vs €81m the previous year;
• Variation of fixed-asset supplier payables constituted an outflow of €78m and business-related asset disposals generated an inflow €118m;
• Continued capex of €2.5bn, excluding Cargo Property, to bring up to standards, modernize and develop our store network;
• Investments linked to Cargo Property for €249m (offset by capital increases subscribed to by the company’s shareholders).

Adjusted for exceptional items and investments linked to Cargo Property, free cash flow from continuing operations reached €1,039m, sharply up vs 2015.

The Group's financial structure at December 31, 2016 remained very solid. Net financial debt decreased slightly to €4,531m (compared with €4,546m at December 31, 2015.) It includes in particular the increased cash flow generation, as well as acquisitions made in 2016 for €190m (Billa in Romania, acquisitions in the digital field in France).

2017 priorities

Carrefour comforts its position as the reference in food retail, relying on its expertise built over 50 years, its unique know-how in fresh and organic produce and mastery of the entire production chain.

The most multi-format distributor in the world, with a portfolio of countries chosen for their market dynamics, Carrefour continues to invest in expansion to enhance proximity to its clients. In 2017, the Group will open stores in all its formats, notably in convenience, at a steady pace.

Carrefour will continue in all countries the development of e-commerce, conceived as a new format in its own right, which will both increase its sales and dynamize its offer in non-food and services.

The omnichannel approach, based on better knowledge of the customer through the use of data, will allow Carrefour to increase average basket and traffic.

Carrefour disseminates a culture of innovation within headquarters and stores by constantly innovating in terms of concepts, products, services and formats.

Thanks to better operational efficiency and strict financial discipline, Carrefour is developing its model, which is resolutely focused on value-creation.

2017 targets:

• Growth in total sales of 3% to 5% at constant exchange rates
• Investments slightly down to €2.4bn excluding Cargo Property
• Continued increase in free cash flow excluding Cargo Property
• Planned listing of activities in Brazil and of Carmila, market conditions permitting

Agenda

• First quarter 2017 sales: April 13, 2017
• Annual Shareholders’ Meeting: June 15, 2017

APPENDIX

2016 net sales and Recurring Operating Income by region

    Net sales   Recurring Operating Income      

(in €m)

  2015   2016  

Organic

growth1

 

Variationat constant exchange rates

 

Variationat current exchange rates

  2015   2016  

Variationat constant exchange rates

 

Variationat currentexchange rates

France 36,272 35,877   -0.9%   -1.1%   -1.1% 1,191 1,031   -13.4%   -13.4% Other European countries 19,724 20,085 +2.2% +2.3% +1.8% 567 712 +25.7% +25.5% Europe 55,996 55,962 +0.3% +0.1% -0.1% 1,758 1,743 -0.8% -0.9% Latin America 14,290 14,507 +16.2% +16.0% +1.5% 705 711 +3.7% +0.9% Asia 6,659 6,176 -3.8% -3.6% -7.3% 13 (58) n/a n/a Emerging Markets 20,949 20,683 +9.6% +9.8% -1.3% 718 653 -7.0% -9.0% Global functions                       (31)   (45)         TOTAL   76,945   76,645   +3.0%   +2.7%   -0.4%   2,445   2,351   -3.2%   -3.8%

1 Ex petrol and ex calendar

Consolidated income statement

      (in €m)   2015   2016 Net sales   76,945   76,645 Net sales net of loyalty program costs   76,393   76,054 Other revenue   2,464   2,720 Total revenue   78,857   78,774 Cost of goods sold (60,838) (60,789) Gross margin from recurring operations 18,019 17,985 SG&A   (14,105)   (14,147)

Recurring operating income before D&A (EBITDA)1

  3,955   3,886 Depreciation and amortization   (1,470)   (1,487) Recurring operating income (ROI)   2,445   2,351 Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method   44   (36) Non-recurring income and expenses   (257)   (372) EBIT   2,232   1,943 Financial expense (515) (515) Income before taxes 1,717 1,428 Income tax expense   (597)   (494) Net income from continuing operations   1,120   934 Net income from discontinued operations   4   (40) Net income   1,123   894 Of which Net Income – Non-controlling interests (NCI)   143   148 Net income, Group share, adjusted for exceptional items   1,113   1,031

1 Recurring operating income before amortization and depreciation (including logistics amortization)

Consolidated balance sheet

      (in €m)   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2016 ASSETS Intangible assets 9,510 9,906 Tangible assets 12,071 13,406 Financial investments 2,725 2,871 Deferred tax assets 744 829 Investment properties 383 314 Consumer credit from financial-services companies – long-term   2,351   2,371 Non-current assets   27,784   29,697 Inventories 6,362 7,039 Trade receivables 2, 269 2,682 Consumer credit from financial-services companies – short-term 3,658 3,902 Tax receivables 1,168 1,044 Other receivables 705 907 Current financial assets 358 239 Cash and cash equivalents   2,724   3,305 Current assets   17,245   19,117 Assets held for sale   66   31 TOTAL   45,095   48,845 LIABILITIES Shareholders’ equity, Group share 9,633 10,426 Minority interests in consolidated companies   1,039   1,582 Shareholders’ equity   10,672   12,008 Deferred tax liabilities 508 543 Provisions for contigencies 3,014 3,064 Borrowing – Long-term 6,662 6,200 Bank loans refinancing – long-term   1,921   1,935 Non-current liabilities   12,106   11,742 Borrowings – short-term 966 1 875 Trade payables 13,648 15,396 Bank loan refinancing – short-term 3 328 3 395 Tax payables & others 1 097 1 260 Other debts   3 244   3 153 Current liabilities   22,282   25,079 Liabilties related to assets held for sale   34   16 TOTAL   45,095   48,845

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

      (in €m)   2015   2016 NET DEBT OPENING   (4,954)   (4,546) Gross cash flow 2,733 2,964 Change in working capital 81 351 Impact of discontinued activities   3   (11) Cash flow from operations   2,818   3,305 Capital expenditure (excluding Cargo) (2,378) (2,492) Net capital expenditure (Cargo) - (249) Change in net payables ro fixed asset suppliers (inc. receivables) 136 (78) Asset disposals (business-related) 104 118 Impact of discontinued activities   7   0 Free Cash Flow   687   603 Free Cash Flow excluding Cargo   687   852 Financial investments (85) (190) Disposals 109 45 Others (28) (25) Discontinued activities   0   16 Cash Flow after investments   682   449 Dividends/Capital increase (474) 48 Acquisition and disposal of investments without change in control 208 (40) Treasury shares 384 30 Cost of net financial debt (347) (377) Others (44) (95) Discontinued activities   0   0 NET DEBT CLOSING   (4,546)   (4,531)

Change in Shareholders’ Equity

(in €m)  

Totalshareholders’ equity

 

Shareholders’ equity,Group share

  Minority interests At December 31, 2015   10,672   9,633   1,039 Total comprehensive income for 2016   894   746   148 2015 dividend   (247)   (121)   (126) Impact of scope changes and others   689   168   521 At December 31, 2016   12,008   10,426   1,582

Net income, Group share, adjusted for exceptional items

      (in €m)   2015   2016 Net income from continuing operations, Group share   977   786 Restatement for non-recurring income and expenses (before tax) 257 372 Restatement for exceptional items in net financial expenses 65 30

Tax impact 1

(159) (179) Restatement on share of income from minorities and companies consolidated by the equity method   (27)   22 Adjusted net income, Group share   1,113   1,031

1 Tax impact of restated items (from non-recurring income and expenses and financial expenses) and non-recurring tax items

Dividend payment procedure

The ex-dividend payment date has been set at June 21, 2017. The period during which shareholders may opt for the dividend payment in cash or shares will begin on June 21, 2017 and end on July 4, 2017 included. Payment of the cash dividend and settlement of the stock dividend will occur on July 13, 2017.

Definitions

Organic sales growth

Like for like sales growth plus net openings over the past twelve months, including temporary store closures, at constant exchange rates.

Gross margin

Gross margin is the difference between the sum of net sales, other income, reduced by loyalty program costs and the cost of goods sold. Cost of sales comprises purchase costs, changes in inventory, the cost of products sold by the financial-services companies, discounting revenue and exchange-rate gains and losses on goods purchased.

Recurring Operating Income (ROI)

Recurring Operating Income is defined as the difference between gross margin and sales, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization.

Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)

Recurring Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) excludes depreciation from supply chain activities which is booked in cost of goods sold and excludes non-recurring items as defined below.

Operating Income (EBIT)

Operating Income (EBIT) is defined as the difference between gross margin and sales, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, amortization and non-recurring items

Non-recurring income and expenses are certain material items that are unusual in terms of their nature and frequency, such as impairment, restructuring costs and expenses related to the revaluation of preexisting risks on the basis of information that the Group became aware of during the accounting period.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is defined as the difference between funds generated by operations (before net interest costs), the variation of working capital requirements and capital expenditures.

Disclaimer

This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Carrefour management's current views and assumptions. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Group. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks described in the documents filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers as part of the regulated information disclosure requirements and available on Carrefour's website (www.carrefour.com), and in particular the Annual Report (Document de Référence). These documents are also available in English on the company's website. Investors may obtain a copy of these documents from Carrefour free of charge. Carrefour does not assume any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements in the future.

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Investor RelationsMathilde Rodié, Anne-Sophie Lanaute and Louis Igonet, +33 (0)1 41 04 28 83orShareholder Relations0 805 902 902 (toll-free in France)orGroup Communication+33 (0)1 41 04 26 17